Head of Special Projects in London

Location: London, England, United Kingdom

Role: Head of Projects – FM & M&E

Overview

A leading provider of integrated Facilities Management and Mechanical & Electrical (M&E) services is seeking an experienced Head of Projects to lead and grow its London-based projects business.

This senior leadership role will take full ownership of the FM and M&E projects portfolio, including lifecycle replacement, upgrades, refurbishments and critical works across complex, operational environments. The role is responsible for driving safe, compliant and profitable delivery while developing a strong pipeline of new project opportunities within existing and new client accounts.

Purpose of the Role

• Lead and deliver the Business Unit’s FM and M&E projects strategy
• Develop and manage high-performing project teams operating within live environments
• Generate, secure and deliver a sustainable pipeline of hard FM and M&E project work
• Ensure all projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget and to agreed margins
• Maintain full compliance with statutory, contractual, QHSE and technical standards

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure the safe delivery of all FM and M&E projects through robust risk, competence and CDM management
• Recruit, develop and retain project management, engineering and commercial talent
• Identify, develop and secure FM and M&E project opportunities, including lifecycle, plant replacement, energy and compliance works
• Deliver all contractual commitments across secured projects and maintenance contracts
• Ensure projects are delivered within live, operational and critical environments with minimal disruption
• Deliver projects in line with internal governance, playbooks and client standards
• Identify, manage and mitigate all technical, statutory, health & safety and commercial risks
• Drive profitability through cost control, value engineering and effective supply-chain management
• Develop and maintain a long-term pipeline of FM and M&E project opportunities
• Collaborate with account, operations and engineering teams to identify project opportunities
• Produce case studies and support client engagement, including site visits and technical presentations
• Lead all bids, tenders and proposals for FM and M&E project work
• Generate and secure new project sales in excess of annual financial targets
• Identify opportunities through innovation, energy efficiency, compliance and emerging FM technologies
• Lead the end-to-end sales process, from solution development through to client presentations
• Build strong, long-term client and supply-chain relationships to secure repeat business
• Provide leadership input to management meetings, reporting, governance and business reviews
• Promote a strong health & safety culture and technical excellence across the projects business
• Develop team capability through mentoring, coaching and performance management
• Contribute to Business Unit and wider organisational strategy
• Manage Business Unit forecasting, P&L performance and financial controls
• Resolve contractual issues and manage upstream and downstream disputes
• Chair monthly and ad-hoc project reviews covering H&S, CDM and technical compliance

Accountabilities

• Direct accountability to the Business Unit Leader and indirect accountability to the Divisional Projects Director
• Full P&L responsibility for the FM and M&E projects Business Unit
• Line management responsibility for project managers, engineers and commercial staff
• Delivery of compliant, safe and profitable projects across FM contracts
• Compliance with all management systems, policies and procedures
• Ownership of health & safety performance across all direct and subcontracted project activities

Person Specification

Qualifications (Desirable unless stated)

• Technical qualification in Mechanical, Electrical, Building Services or Construction
• Degree-level qualification in Project Management, Construction Management or similar
• APM or PRINCE2 certification
• Strong knowledge of CDM Regulations
• SMSTS certification
• NEBOSH qualification
• CSCS card holder
• IOSH certification

Experience

• Proven track record delivering FM and M&E projects within live, operational or critical environments
• Strong background in hard FM, building services and lifecycle project delivery
• Experience developing and converting project opportunities from FM contracts
• Demonstrable P&L management experience
• Proven experience leading multi-disciplinary project teams
• Strong experience producing and managing bids, tenders and technical proposals

Skills & Aptitudes

• Strong technical understanding of M&E and FM project delivery
• Excellent stakeholder management and client-facing skills
• Commercially astute with strong negotiation capability
• Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple complex workstreams
• Innovative approach to project delivery and energy-efficient solutions
• Results-driven and quality-focused

Personal Attributes

• Credible technical leader with strong presence and integrity
• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate strategy into delivery
• Resilient, adaptable and confident in high-pressure environments
• Collaborative leadership style with the ability to influence at all levels
• High energy, self-motivated and accountable

Additional Requirements

• Willingness to travel as required across client sites to support delivery and business development
• Occasional overnight stays may be required